22/09/2022 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
Insofar as new technologies and the Covid-19 pandemic have radically transformed the world of work, the Social Affairs Committee considers it essential to increase flexibility in the organisation of work, in order to serve the new needs of workers, employers and the labour markets.
The committee is concerned about the harmful effects of this new reality on people at work, noting many situations of precarious employment, discriminatory practices, and an escalation of stress levels at work.
By unanimously adopting the report by Selin Sayek Böke (Türkiye, SOC) today, the committee, meeting in Izmir, called on member States to adjust their regulatory frameworks and labour policies, better protect socio-economic rights, enhance public health and ensure personal well-being at work.
Governments should in particular facilitate the increased recourse to telework on a permanent basis, by taking legislative measures providing a level playing field and maximum flexibility in terms of working hours and workplace location, underlines the adopted text.
The report also argues for “the right to disconnect”, better recognition of unpaid work – by making it more visible and by supporting it through social benefits or a basic income – and for public institutional capacity building.